Science Department
The Science Department provides students authentic and meaningful science experiences in and out of the classroom. Inside, our science facilities include state-of-the-art classrooms and a dedicated student research laboratory. Outside, our 220-acre campus boasts an extensive hardwood forest and lake used for labs as well as individual student research. Additional one-of-a-kind campus amenities include an astronomical observatory, trout hatchery, apiary, and maple sugar operation.
Our curricular offerings range from foundational courses in biology, chemistry, and physics to innovative semester- and year-long electives reflective of students’ strengths and interests. Available to students are AP courses along with rigorous elective opportunities, including post-AP options. Summer acceleration allows students to complete AP courses beginning as early as sophomore year. A student’s own unique curricular pathway is supported by a department faculty of accomplished and inspiring scientist-educators with a wealth of experience in research and industry as well as in secondary and collegiate teaching.
Complementing a student’s curricular work are extracurricular pursuits like Outdoor Projects, Astronomy, TARC Rocketry, and FIRST Tech Challenge Robotics. Our Strnad Fellowship and Anderson Scholars programs fund and facilitate independent scientific research. Students conduct research both on and off campus and can showcase their work beyond the walls of the school by presenting their work at science conferences, symposia, and fairs. These experiences help position upperclassmen for successful publication of their work in peer-reviewed journals and to be competitive in national science venues such as the Siemens Competition and Regeneron Science Talent Search.
Independent Research Opportunities
University School students are encouraged to pursue a course of study in a variety of disciplines and to continue in those disciplines beyond the minimum requirements of the school. In addition to AP courses, independent research options are available in all disciplines through fellowship programs and internships.
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Boundless Science Curriculum
Science Electives
Biology (AP)
Chemistry (AP)
Physics C - Mechanics (AP)
Anatomy and Physiology (Post-AP) *
Biotechnology (Post-AP) *
Physics - Mechanics II (Post-AP)
Ecology *
Geology *
Meteorology: An Introduction to Weather, Climate, and the Environment *
Organic Chemistry *
Polymers and Materials Science *
Microbiology and Infectious Disease *
Environmental Science
Oceanography *
* Semester Course
Chemistry (AP)
Physics C - Mechanics (AP)
Anatomy and Physiology (Post-AP) *
Biotechnology (Post-AP) *
Physics - Mechanics II (Post-AP)
Ecology *
Geology *
Meteorology: An Introduction to Weather, Climate, and the Environment *
Organic Chemistry *
Polymers and Materials Science *
Microbiology and Infectious Disease *
Environmental Science
Oceanography *
* Semester Course
Shaker Heights Campus
20701 Brantley Road
Shaker Heights, Ohio 44122
GRADES Junior K-8
Phone: 216-321-8260
Shaker Heights, Ohio 44122
GRADES Junior K-8
Phone: 216-321-8260
Hunting Valley Campus
2785 SOM Center Road
Hunting Valley, Ohio 44022
GRADES 9-12
Phone: 216-831-2200
Hunting Valley, Ohio 44022
GRADES 9-12
Phone: 216-831-2200
University School serves 870 boys in Junior Kindergarten to grade 12 on two campuses in suburban Cleveland, Ohio. The School’s mission is to inspire boys of promise to become young men of character who lead and serve. Dedicated faculty, rigorous curriculum, and experiential programs foster intellectual, physical, creative, and moral excellence. University School is a diverse and inclusive community where each boy is known and loved.
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